Book Seventeen

My goal for several years has been to read 50 books in one calendar year – 52 weeks – but I have always fallen off the rails around 25 books. This year, I’m twice as determined. I will be posting short reviews of each book with my thoughts and any recommendations I received for the book as well as a link to purchase the book from Amazon, (though I recommend checking your local library first). If you have questions, leave a comment! If you want to follow my journey, find me on Goodreads.

It’s no secret that I love Beth Moore – a lot. She has shaped my life, my faith, and my hair. I was sceptical when I read social media posts that she had written a fiction novel, but boy was I wrong. You can tell Mrs. Beth labored over cultural and historical information to shape this setting and it worked. Set in New Orleans, The Undoing of Saint Silvanus explores the history of an old church and the ways that history shaped its present use, including those who live within its walls. Mrs. Beth, true to form, preaches the gospel, but in such a beautiful way. From someone who can recite scripture, this portrayal of the gospel intertwined with history and family and community was so new and fresh, though the building bricks may be old that built it.

My favorite scene occurred around a table with bread and wine, haphazardly, but so intentional.

If you’re skeptical, read this anyway. It’s so well done and one of my dear favorites.